Sad news about NG17

[EmeraldRegice]

I would have LOVED to go to the Indy NG, it's in my backyard, but I also have been working off and on on various projects on my vehicle since May 1st of this year, planning on finishing the first week of August and it will get to see the open road for the first time hopefully this year. Maybe July if I'm lucky but I don't rush things.

I would have loved to help make NG plans, set up locations, events, etc. but yes like many others, time is a bit tough for me right now.

[Granny]

I knew the Pittsburg trip would probably be our last.

We just simply have too much on our plate with Mikes health issues.
Vacations of any kind are just not going to happen.

I do want to thank you for all of the wonderful adventures at the NG's we attended.

Good times I will always remember!

[ReddVR4]

Always wanted to attend an NG event but I'm in the west coast unfortunately. Perhaps I'll go to the Texas NG, even though its still 18 hours away...

[UTRacerX9]

p.s.
I guess I was that way about my 3/s (definitely back in 2011) but not anymore. Now? I'm all about buying/renting property. 1 house paid off & rented. 1 on mortgage & rented. 1 on mortgage I'm living in. And I'll probably buy another a few years down the pike. This appears to be my best road to financial security--and if that means forgoing my dream car--that's a choice I've already made.

That's wisdom talking... Unless your dream car is something rare like a Ford GT or old Ferrari/Porsche/Lambo that keeps increasing in value, most people lose money on vehicles.

There's a myriad of reasons why the platform is dying, but we're not alone. Even 90's Supras that were once so highly regarded, no one bats an eye over anymore. They still command decent prices, but we're no longer seeing the insane levels we did a few years ago. Perhaps they'll get a shot in the arm once the newest Supra comes out. Personally, I think the platform dying has more to do with Mitsu/Dodge abandoning it. Nissan still very much supports the Z car, and the Z has been around decades longer than the 3/S. Mitsu and Dodge on the other hand have just washed their hands of our cars, and have no interest in reviving the name. At any rate, even if Mitsu were to design a new 3000GT concept, I doubt many people (even among diehards) would really want it after seeing what they've done to the Eclipse, killing off the EVO, etc. I sure wouldn't want to buy a car from a company that seems to be perennially circling the drain in this country.

With no new model arriving, and the remaining cars constantly dwindling over the years, it seems to be a foregone conclusion that the days of a large and active membership base are in the past. Everything that could be done with these cars, has been done. There's just no more excitement.

[94VR4NCVA]

I'd say consider joining another 90's car group in a similar platform, maybe an all Mitsu event would be even better. EVO fans are out there in numbers, Eclipse here and there and whatever else Mitsu. If we join these events that already have a larger group, it would reduce the cost per person to really enjoy all it has to offer.

Not saying to do it, just to research it and see whats out there

[Boost4VR4]

I simply could not do August because we have family here this July and being able to afford a trip to Michigan and entertain in-laws, kids, etc, is very difficult to do. We were planning a trip to Michigan, however, we were going to be in the Metro area. I would have been driving my truck there and the only thing I could really do with the truck is drags.

[Creative]

NG hasn't been enjoying the last couple of years.
Went to like 8 straight NGs, winning many trophies, having a great time but the last year I went (2015) was just kind of. Blah

Money is tight right now but that is not why I didn't sign up. I didn't sign up becuase of the lack of enjoyment. How are you going to give the "Best in Show" a paper certificate for winning? Where is the drive to attend? Why should I put my personal life on hold, spend thousands of dollars on my car to get it ready then more to attend to have an OK time. Maybe the following is dieing and we are all getting older so we have less time to enjoy a week long car event.

Like I said I could have gone without an issue, but why.

[IPD]

That's wisdom talking... Unless your dream car is something rare like a Ford GT or old Ferrari/Porsche/Lambo that keeps increasing in value, most people lose money on vehicles.

There's a myriad of reasons why the platform is dying, but we're not alone. Even 90's Supras that were once so highly regarded, no one bats an eye over anymore. They still command decent prices, but we're no longer seeing the insane levels we did a few years ago. Perhaps they'll get a shot in the arm once the newest Supra comes out. Personally, I think the platform dying has more to do with Mitsu/Dodge abandoning it. Nissan still very much supports the Z car, and the Z has been around decades longer than the 3/S. Mitsu and Dodge on the other hand have just washed their hands of our cars, and have no interest in reviving the name. At any rate, even if Mitsu were to design a new 3000GT concept, I doubt many people (even among diehards) would really want it after seeing what they've done to the Eclipse, killing off the EVO, etc. I sure wouldn't want to buy a car from a company that seems to be perennially circling the drain in this country.

With no new model arriving, and the remaining cars constantly dwindling over the years, it seems to be a foregone conclusion that the days of a large and active membership base are in the past. Everything that could be done with these cars, has been done. There's just no more excitement.

A look at the AWD challenger tells you really all you need to know about the state of sports cars in the USA. The only real "american" sports car with AWD...is only offered with the most anemic engine of the lineup, and naturally aspirated to boot. /facepalm

[RyeH]

I have been in the platform since 2001, and I have always wanted to go to the NG. Usually for me the issue was location. Growing up in El Paso really makes getting ANYWHERE a HUGE task with time and money. However, being in Central Texas doesnt change much either. I have never complained about it being where it usually is because you have to look at population. So, it was never really in the books for me. As for this year, personally, the location is still an issue as it makes it cost more time and more gas and money. Yet there is more. Having kids now, money is always tied up in other things, so cost was an issue. Kids will be in school so timing is as issue. As well as getting ready for the Texas Gathering.

I was talking to another member about this and he brought up a good point. We dont think that the platform is dead. UMG pulling 30+, TXG this year we have 30+ and still months out. What he brought up is how it seems that the NG may be falling short is because people are more focused on the regional gatherings now. They all cost less money to register and attend, they cost less to get there for most attendees, less time to travel so you can easily sneak it in on a weekend w/o vaca time, and you get nearly the same experience (so I am told). I think that plays a big role into. Now that most us true enthusiasts are into our 30s and up with families, it is harder to take a vacation for a car group.

To touch on what others have said. The forum split and the FB groups have KILLED our forums. What I find interesting though is that apparently with the forums dead, it gives a sense of the platform being dead. However, I cant agree with IPD that these cars and its platform is in fact dead. I would be willing to bet that all classics (save corvettes and the like) have a point where they are not a big deal until they are again. It kind of goes with a generation or two. Like said before we are in our 30s and up. Our priorities have changed, however once life slows down abit and we can start enjoying hobbies again to their fullest, the cars will be even more rare, thus sought after , thus making them in that classic genre. But this could just be me being a little biased, however, goto the local car shows, and they have started turning heads like the older classics do, and who knows, may even get better.

[IPD]

Guess we'll see who is is right.

Starion & z30 are already dead platforms.